Bangladesh Catholics Unite in Six-Hour Rosary Prayer for World Peace

Catholics across the Archdiocese of Dhaka joined a six-hour Rosary prayer initiative on May 30, seeking peace for the world, the nation, and families amid ongoing global conflicts and social unrest.

The main gathering took place at Holy Cross Church in Luxmibazar, a historic Catholic parish in Old Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The prayer program was organized by the Social Communication Commission of the Archdiocese of Dhaka.

The event was led by Fr. Bulbul Augustine Rebeiro, Secretary of the Social Communication Commission and Director of the Christian Communication Centre. Members of the Legion of Mary, priests, women religious, hostel residents, and lay faithful participated in the prayer service.

The six-hour Rosary was simultaneously observed in various parishes and seminaries throughout the Archdiocese of Dhaka, uniting Catholics in a common intention for peace around the world.

At the opening of the gathering, Fr. Uzzal Linus Rozario, CSC, parish priest of Holy Cross Church, encouraged participants to entrust their intentions to the Blessed Virgin Mary and pray especially for an end to wars and conflicts worldwide.

Delivering the main reflection, Fr. Rebeiro described peace as a fundamental human aspiration and recalled Christ’s greeting to His disciples: “Peace be with you.”

“May the peace given by Christ spread among all people of the world, and may a peaceful society be built,” he said.

Fr. Rebeiro noted that while technological advancement has brought many benefits, it has also contributed to new forms of anxiety, division, and social tension. He stressed the importance of forming children in moral and religious values and teaching them the commitment required to build and preserve peace.

He also called on Catholics to become active promoters of peace through prayer, personal witness, and responsible communication.

Referring to the teachings of Pope Francis, Fr. Rebeiro highlighted the importance of using artificial intelligence and digital media ethically. He noted that modern communication platforms can become powerful tools for promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding when used responsibly.

The prayer initiative was linked to the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally celebrated on May 31. Since the feast coincided with a Sunday this year, the Archdiocesan Social Communication Commission organized the Rosary observance a day earlier, inviting the faithful to dedicate six continuous hours of prayer for peace.

The gathering concluded with prayers entrusting humanity to Mary, Queen of Peace, asking for her intercession for reconciliation, harmony, and lasting peace throughout the world.